India has introduced a first-of-its-kind short Hajj package for pilgrims in 2026, allowing thousands of Indian Muslims to complete the pilgrimage in nearly 20 days instead of the usual 40 to 45 days.
The initiative, launched by the Haj Committee of India, is aimed mainly at working professionals and businesspersons who find it difficult to remain away from work for over a month. Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian on May 17 flagged off the first-ever short Hajj flight from Cochin International Airport under the new arrangement.
According to the government, around 10,000 pilgrims will travel under the special category this year. The move is expected to make the pilgrimage more manageable while ensuring that all mandatory rituals of Hajj are completed.
“Introduced for the first time this year, the Short Hajj Package has been designed based on feedback received from pilgrims, particularly working professionals and businesspersons, who sought an option to return early after completion of the core Hajj rituals. Under this category, 10,000 pilgrims will undertake Haj with a reduced stay of approximately 20 days in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), compared to the regular Hajj duration of 40–45 days,” the government said in a statement.
While the first batch departed from Kochi, additional flights are scheduled from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad.
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Saudi Arabia has announced that May 18 marks the beginning of Zil Hajj after the crescent moon was sighted in the Kingdom. Accordingly, the Day of Arafah will be observed on May 26, while Eid-ul-Adha will begin on May 27 in Saudi Arabia.
In India, Eid-ul-Adha is expected to be celebrated on May 28, while Kashmir is likely to observe the festival on May 27.
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